Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Mophead 'Nigra'

Forget this one, weak stems,tired looking in summer heat even in shade,I would toss it but it was a gift.If you would like the look of bl...Read Moreack stems and like lacecaps midnight dutchess is worth looking at.

I too moved this plant several times trying to find the right location to please it. I finally put it under a north facing porch eave in...Read More a well mulched bed. It has taken 4 years and equally as many moves and now it is blooming for the first time. The blooms are not overly colorful, just a pale splash of pink at the edges of the mostly white clusters. It does wilt a little in the evenings where our hot East Texas sun beats down on it. But it renews its shape every morning! It is a beautiful and unusual hydrangea to own.

This shrub does not like extreme heat. Even under shade this plant will wilt. It is unfortunate since this hydrangea is so beautiful; the...Read More nearly black stems contrasting with the pink flower clusters make this an unusual addition to any hydrangea lover's garden. I've tried moving this hydrangea at least four times to find the perfect spot for it to thrive. This hydrangea blooms on new wood, so I recommend it for cooler climate zones.

According to the authors of "Encyclopedia of Hydrangeas" C.J. and D.M. Van Gelderen (2004 - Timber Press), " A huge shrub with slender pu...Read Morerplish black branches ( a distinguishing characteristic), sometimes up to 6.5 feet. The flowerheads are untiday, pale pink or lightest blue, sepals entire. Flowering time is from August to September. This interesting plant was forgotten for many years but is again available."

AKA 'Cyanoclada', 'Kuro jaku', 'Mandshurica'. Imported from China to the US by E.H.Wilson in 1853.

Not cold hardy. Flowers form at terminal buds.